Delhi's air pollution remained in the 'very poor' category on Monday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board ( CPCB). On the morning of Diwali, the national capital registered an average Air Quality Index ( AQI) of 333.
An AQI of 0–50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’ and 401-500 ‘severe’.
At 7:00 am on Monday, air quality across Delhi and its surrounding areas remained at dangerous levels. The CPCB reported that several parts of the national capital witnessed extremely high levels of air pollution, with the AQI ranging from “very poor” to “severe.”
Delhi AQI on Diwali: Area-wise air quality
GRAP-II restrictions imposed in Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region on Sunday evening as pollution and air quality worsened.
“The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning and was recorded at 296 at 4 pm and 302 at 7 pm,” CAQM noted.
Authorities have also been asked to monitor dust mitigation efforts closely and ensure compliance with timelines outlined in the NCR’s anti-pollution policy.
What Are GRAP Stage II Measures?
GRAP categorises air quality into four stages: Stage I (Poor) with AQI between 201 and 300, Stage II (Very Poor) between 301 and 400, Stage III (Severe) between 401 and 450, and Stage IV (Severe Plus) for AQI above 450.
Stage II of GRAP intensifies pollution control measures across Delhi-NCR including:
An AQI of 0–50 is considered ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301–400 ‘very poor’ and 401-500 ‘severe’.
At 7:00 am on Monday, air quality across Delhi and its surrounding areas remained at dangerous levels. The CPCB reported that several parts of the national capital witnessed extremely high levels of air pollution, with the AQI ranging from “very poor” to “severe.”
Delhi AQI on Diwali: Area-wise air quality
GRAP-II restrictions imposed in Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the Delhi-NCR region on Sunday evening as pollution and air quality worsened.
“The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend since morning and was recorded at 296 at 4 pm and 302 at 7 pm,” CAQM noted.
Authorities have also been asked to monitor dust mitigation efforts closely and ensure compliance with timelines outlined in the NCR’s anti-pollution policy.
What Are GRAP Stage II Measures?
GRAP categorises air quality into four stages: Stage I (Poor) with AQI between 201 and 300, Stage II (Very Poor) between 301 and 400, Stage III (Severe) between 401 and 450, and Stage IV (Severe Plus) for AQI above 450.
Stage II of GRAP intensifies pollution control measures across Delhi-NCR including:
- Dust Control: Daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on major roads, preferably before peak traffic hours.
- Construction and Demolition Sites: Enhanced inspections to enforce strict dust control measures.
- Public Transport Boost: Additional CNG and electric buses, increased metro frequency, and differential fare rates to encourage off-peak travel.
- RWA Responsibilities: Resident welfare associations must provide electric heaters for staff to prevent biomass and solid waste burning.
- Inter-State Bus Restrictions: Only CNG, electric, or BS-VI diesel buses can enter Delhi; tourist buses with all-India permits are exempt.
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